Chaos erupted in the streets of Kampala on 26th February 2025, as police arrested several students marching to the European Union (EU) offices in protest against the East African Crude Oil Pipeline project (EACOP).
The demonstration aimed at challenging the controversial pipeline’s environmental and social impacts was abruptly halted by security forces reigniting debates over free speech, police response to activism and Uganda’s commitment to climate concerns.
Students mainly from various universities had gathered early in the morning carrying placards and chanting slogans condemning EACOP.
They accused the project of exacerbating climate change, displacing communities and violating environmental regulations.
Their march was intended to deliver a petition to the EU urging the bloc to maintain its opposition to EACOP which it previously criticized over human rights concerns and environmental degradation.
However, before they could reach the EU offices heavily armed police officers intercepted the demonstrators blocking their path and forcefully dispersing them.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes of students being manhandled, thrown into police trucks and whisked away to unknown locations.
“We were peacefully marching when they started beating and arresting people without provocation,” said one protester who managed to evade arrest.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango justified the arrests stating that the demonstration was unauthorized and posed a risk to public order.
“While we respect the right to peaceful protest, this particular gathering had not been cleared and therefore we had to step in to prevent possible chaos,” Onyango remarked.
Human rights activists and opposition figures swiftly condemned this arrest accusing authorities of silencing protests and prioritizing foreign corporate interests over the welfare of Ugandans.
“It is unacceptable that students are being arrested for simply expressing concern about their future,” said environmental activist Diana Nabukeera. “Instead of addressing the environmental and social issues EACOP presents, the government is choosing repression over dialogue.”
The East African Crude Oil Pipeline a joint project between Uganda and Tanzania, is expected to transport crude oil from Uganda’s Albertine region to Tanzania’s Indian Ocean coast.
While the government has hailed it as a game-changer for Uganda’s economy, opposition warn that it threatens vital ecosystems, endangers local livelihoods and contradicts global efforts to combat climate change.
Despite the arrests, the student protesters vowed to continue their fight.
“We are not giving up,” said one defiant demonstrator. “Our environment, our communities, and our future are at stake. We will not be silenced.”
As Uganda struggles with balancing economic aspirations and environmental concerns, today’s events underscore the growing tensions surrounding EACOP as a project.
